La Bodega Spanish Restaurant - 1277 Howe Street, Vancouver, BCHad the pleasure of going there with exchange students from Spain - they said it was just like home. Food was excellent. My personal favorite - clams, jamon, ceviche and of course the sangria (which is surprisingly strong). It is a must stop anytime we get up that way. Here's a review for you. http://www.foodvancouver.com/restaurant-review.php?restaurant=56

Death by Chocolate - 1598 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BCSpouse used to say "No such thing as too much chocolate" this place proved otherwise. We split the sampler plate because there are just too many choices. Trendy more than homey.

We are pretty much omnivores, but like burgers, steaks probably best. We are survivors of the recent BBQ Roadfood tour of the Austin area and thought we had died and gone to heaven, but aren't looking necessarily for Canadian barbecue

If you are logged-in at Roadfood, just hit the search link at the top right of this page and do a simple search for "Vancouver", which should bring up links to several dozen Roadfood threads that mention Vancouver. You'll find about a dozen or so of the threads that are Vancouver-dining specific.

If you are logged-in at Roadfood, just hit the search link at the top right of this page and do a simple search for "Vancouver", which should bring up links to several dozen Roadfood threads that mention Vancouver. You'll find about a dozen or so of the threads that are Vancouver-dining specific.

1) Going to do something I seldom do and suggest a regional chain for burgers and upscale full meals: White Spot, with locations throughout the Vancouver area, but mine upon which this recommendation is based is 5367 West Boulevard, just north of 41st.

I can't guarantee that it is still in existence, but I can recall having a very good meal (steak, plus some other nice items) at Hy's, which is located in a fairly elegant old home. Unfortunately, I don't have a record of the address, but how many places could there be in Vancouver by the name of Hy's? Good service, good food, and prices that (IIRC) weren't too bad. Of course, that was before the dollar dropped to a value similar to that of Charmin bath tissue!

I don't know if you've left yet, but Vancouver's little secret jewel is "The Fraser Park Cafe." It's not right downtown. In fact, it's located in an industrial district on Byrne Rd. It's ambiance is surreal (read: out there), and it's food is majestic. Anton, the proprietor is a certified German fleishmeister and makes all his own bacon, ham and sausage. His wife is the queen of soup and makes the world's best Indonesian hot sauce. In ten years, I have never had a meal there that wasn't absolutely fantastic. If you're lucky you'll hit a day the whole family is working, and Anton may even break into a drum solo on his drum kit which is set up in the center of the restaurant. They cater mostly to the surrounding industrial area and so are open from about 2am to 2pm.

In response to your previous question, Vera's is great! I have friends who will only eat a Vera's burger for breakfast when the have a hangover.

Memphis Blues makes some great BBQ too. They have two locations I believe.

Sophie's Cosmic Cafe has really decent breakfast. They are in Kitsilano. There is usually a line up out the door on weekends, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait.

I don't know if you've left yet, but Vancouver's little secret jewel is "The Fraser Park Cafe." It's not right downtown. In fact, it's located in an industrial district on Byrne Rd. It's ambiance is surreal (read: out there), and it's food is majestic. Anton, the proprietor is a certified German fleishmeister and makes all his own bacon, ham and sausage. His wife is the queen of soup and makes the world's best Indonesian hot sauce. In ten years, I have never had a meal there that wasn't absolutely fantastic. If you're lucky you'll hit a day the whole family is working, and Anton may even break into a drum solo on his drum kit which is set up in the center of the restaurant. They cater mostly to the surrounding industrial area and so are open from about 2am to 2pm.

Dang, we've come and gone, and that sounds just exactly like the kind of place we were looking for. Instead I drug us to a place for spaghetti and meatballs, with truffle cream sauce and Kobe beef meatballs. The spaghetti was to die for but the meatballs, not so much. Thanks anyway.

Updates: The Pink Pearl closed. Bo Kong closed, but eventually reopened at a new location. I no longer recommend it.

I have tried Vera's (various locations) since original posts. I like it.

Although its food quality varies (best for Canadian/American type items in my opinion), the Naam, on 4th in the Kits area, remains a favorite. http://www.thenaam.com/ Great atmosphere. Easier to get into at lunch.